Exposure Upgrades ‘Twenty Series’ Integrated Amp: The 2010S2-D

August 3, 2015 - British hi-fi brand Exposure, renowned for creating high-performance audio components with an impressively affordable price tag, is updating its much-loved range to add fresh features for the latest audiophile needs.

Now being released in the US is the 2010S2-D, an upgraded version of the classic 2010S2 integrated amplifier. Like its predecessor, the new 2010S2-D comes with six line level inputs. However, one of these is now a direct AV input with fixed gain, to enable integration within a surround sound system.

“This is a positively magnificent little amp.” said Stereophile of the original 2010S. “Its tunefulness and timing are beyond reproach, and, among other things, it's probably one of the most transparent amplification products I've ever heard at any price.”

As is the case throughout the ‘twenty’ series, much attention has been paid to the circuit design in order to extract the best possible sound quality. Special high-quality capacitors are used in the signal path, and the circuit topology has been mapped with a view to keeping signal and power supply paths short. High performance Toshiba bipolar output transistors insure the amp’s class leading dynamic ability.

The power supply is a critical feature of any amplifier and in the 2010S2-D an entirely custom 200 Watt torodal power transformer feeds two large reservoir capacitors to provide ample power for unrestricted dynamic range. To ensure excellent performance in all situations, cascode circuitry improves immunity to noise and ripple on the power supply rails.

This all slots into an attractive aluminium casing with a thick extruded front panel. The overall build quality, fit and finish are excellent. Both the front and back panels are graced with clear ergonomics and simplicity in features, with a well laid-out and comprehensive remote control completing the package.

A preamp output allows for tagging-on of a separate power amplifier, in case you want to bi-amp your system. Speaker terminals are doubled to allow bi-wiring.

Finally, there is also the option to fit a moving magnet or moving coil phonostage inside the 2010S2-D, enabling a one-box amplifier solution for vinyl playback.

Technical Specs

Pricing & Availability

The Exposure 2010S2-D integrated amplifier is available now in silver or black, priced at $1,749.The optional MM or MC phono boards are priced at $249.

Exposure Electronics has been committed to engineering real hi-fi at real-world prices since 1974. Founder John Farlowe's obsession for the lifelike reproduction of recorded music was nurtured while working in studios with the likes of David Bowie and Pink Floyd. Today, all products are still designed by Brighton-based chief designer Tony Brady, and the final assembly is undertaken in the United Kingdom by a team passionate about high-fidelity sound reproduction.

The signature Exposure sound is something else. There is delicacy in the upper ranges and openness in the mid-range, underpinned by deep yet agile bass that dances along. Hi-fi critics have praised Exposure for offering ‘rightness’ in sound by combining the speed and precision of the best solid-state designs with a touch of the sweetness of tubes. In short, Exposure’s engineering and design philosophy is to make hi-fi that gets on with the task of reproducing music while the equipment itself hides in the background. Which is smart thinking, since most people prefer to listen to their music rather than the hi-fi.

Exposure is available in the USA via a network of specialist shops run by people who know a thing or two about the complex relationship between people, hi-fi and music.